Sightseeing in a nutshell

My husband and I are spending a week in Sanibel in mid October. Besides J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Captiva Cruises and bike riding, what should we make sure we see?

We like history and culture more than beach going, although we will spend time at the beach. We love exploring new places in general.

Is it worth going to Fort Myers to see the Edison-Ford Winter Estates?

Is it worth a day trip south to the everglades?

Sightseeing in a nutshell

I enjoyed the Ford and Edison estates, but I%26#39;m a history buff and spend a lot of time in museums and such so I%26#39;m probably not the best judge. I think everyone enjoys seeing Edison%26#39;s lab. Otherwise, they are just houses but the tours make them a good experience.

I think the Everglades is worth the trip, but Corkscrew Swamp is my preference. With the drought, call before going.

Lover%26#39;s Key is beautiful. A half day or whole day on Cayo Costa is even better.

Sightseeing in a nutshell

If just spending a week then definitely go to Corkscrew- it is wonderful and is much closer to Sanibel than the Everglades. You can swing over to Naples for some shopping or dining on the way back to make the day trip complete if you like.

I personally don%26#39;t think I would make a dedicated trip to the Edison/Ford houses but again you could tie those into a trip to Corkscrew for a different one day activity.

Honestly, when we cross the bridge into Sanibel, it is very hard to leave!

I would take a ride to the Edison-Ford Estates, but don%26#39;t plan on spending an entire day, I agree Corkssrew is worth a trip, lunch in Boca Grande is not a bad idea also. Naples is definitely only for a lunch/shopping experience not much more.

If you are going merely for sun and sand, stay right where you are, relax and enjoy!

If you can tear yourself away from Sanibel a day trip which would combine history, shopping and wildlife would be as follows:- Ted Smallwoods store in Chokoloskee followed by lunch at the Seafood depot in Everglades city. On way back to Sanibel stop off at Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk ( bug repellant advised) and see the Seminole Indian reserve adjacent. Finally if you wallet can stand it visit Tin city and Naples before heading back to Sanibel for the sunset

Overall roundtrip distance about 200 miles but thats small change for you guys

If you are looking for restaurant information MenuVenueSWFL.com has all of the area%26#39;s restaurants on it. They also have menus and coupons I think.

Enjoy your time here and be sure to see the everglades and all those gators!

Hope I helped

MenuGuy

Further to my advice of yesterday :- if you do head towards Everglades city do take the interstate till you get to Naples and then the Tamiami Trail (US41) from there. US 41 from Sanibel is certiainly the scenic route but it%26#39;s also SLOOOOW! After Naples it%26#39;s virtually traffic free so you can put your foot down.

Enjoy the area and look on cuisine scene.com for local restaurants.